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Occupy Philadelphia’s move across the street rebuffed

November 18, 2011

Occupy Philadelphia tried to make a move Thursday night, but was unsuccessful.

After a vote by the group’s general assembly to move to Paine Plaza, outside the Municipal Services Building, Occupy Philadelphia picked up its tents, without a permit and crossed the street, only to be met by police. “Everbody’s got to go. If you don’t leave you are going to get locked up,” warned officers. Gwen Snyder of Occupy says the protesters made their move fearing eviction and feel deceived. “Given that the mayor had told us he supports the occupy moment he just did not support us blocking construction I think we have caught him in his own lie frankly,” said Snyder. Mayor Michael Nutter says the group has to do things properly. “They cannot pick up and go across the street because they do not have a permit for that,” said Nutter. “They need to chill out and follow the process and we have explained time after time after time.” When or if a permit will be issued remains up in the air.

The failed move came hours after two dozen protesters were arrested for blocking traffic at the Market Street Bridge. Hundreds of people marched from City Hall to the bridge calling for jobs. They selected the bridge because it’s in need of repair. The protesters say the government could put lots of people back to work by repairing bridges such as that one.